Nearly 90-year-old business in Titusville to close its doors

From staff reports

A multigenerational retail store in Titusville is closing its doors after 88 years in business.

Day’s Home Furnishings, at 315 S. Franklin St., has set June 18 as the closing date. The building was recently purchased by the Titusville Iron Works.

Richard Day, whose grandfather Ellis “Carload” Day started the business in 1932, turned the appliance and home furnishing store into one of the area’s leading retail outlets.

Ellis Day’s son Ronald eventually took over the business.

Joining him in the business several years later were sons Richard and Gary.

The current owner was 11 years old when he began working in the store. At that time, the store was located across the street from its present location.

“Service has always been the business’s main priority when dealing with customers,” said Richard Day, adding that Doug Bimber, of Bimber Appliance Sales and Repair, will continue to honor warranties and provide service work.

Bob Joyce, president of the Titusville Iron Works, bought a portion of the Day’s building about two years ago to develop his business. Day’s Home Furnishings then downsized its showroom floor space.

A few months ago, Joyce and Day signed a deal for the sale of the remaining part of the property.

Richard Day said he was pleased to know the building will be repurposed and have “a new useful life and be an asset to Titusville’s downtown.”

As to the store closing, the owner said he will miss the relationships established with his customers over the years.

“One thing that always stuck (with me) … from the beginning was following my grandfather’s business beliefs – take care of the customers, take pride in what you sell and always be truthful in business,” he said.